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NWRC Research Areas: Rodents

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Our scientists are developing methods and strategies to manage rodent impacts to

agriculture, natural resources, and human health and safety.

Large numbers of invasive (nonnative) animals have become established in the

continental United States, its Territories, and nearby countries and islands. These

include fish (grass carp, tilapia, walking catfish), reptiles and amphibians (brown

treesnake, cane toad, Caribbean tree frog), birds (myna, monk parakeet, mute swan,
starling, pigeon) and mammals (feral livestock, dogs, and cats; mongooses; rats;

and nutria). Invasive vertebrate species cause substantial damage to crops and

livestock, property, and natural resources (including threatened and endangered

species, biodiversity, and ecosystem health), and pose a disease hazard to humans

and livestock.

There is a need to develop methods and strategies for invasive vertebrate species

so that scientists can (1) assess the risks of an introduction occurring, (2) detect and

monitor populations, (3) manage or eliminate populations, (4) mitigate the adverse

effects where invasive species cannot be effectively controlled, and (5) prevent

future introductions. Methods developed must be effective, economical and

environmentally benign. In most cases, an integrated strategy, using several

methods (cultural, physical, chemical, etc.), will be required to effectively manage or

eradicate the invasive vertebrate population.

Effective, target-specific delivery systems for control agents (toxicants, fertility

control, vaccines) are an important, if not critical, need for successful strategies. In

some cases, basic research on the biology and ecology of the species will be

needed. Species of major concern for NWRC and all of Wildlife Services include

starlings, pigeons, feral swine, nutria, foxes, cats, and rats.The research examined in

this new project will focus on invasive rodent species because of the significant

threat they pose and because they can serve as a model for other vertebrates.

Project Goal and Objectives

Development of Methods to Control Rodent Populations and

Damage with an Emphasis on Invasive House Mice and Native

Voles

Goal: Develop methods to reduce invasive and native rodent damage with both

lethal and nonlethal approaches.

Objectives:

1. Develop and test new potential rodenticides to replace ineffective rodenticides

and products no longer available.
2. Develop and test new delivery systems for chemical delivery to rodents.

3. Develop and test barrier systems for rodent and rabbit damage reduction.

4. Develop and test repellents for rodent and rabbit damage reduction.

5. Develop and test fertility control materials for rodent and rabbit population

management.

6. Review current and potential strategies and approaches to rodent and rabbit

damage reduction.

7. Provide service assistance to stakeholders through consultations.

Publications

Rodents

Videos

Chesapeake Bay Program

From the Field: Eradicating nutria from Chesapeake Bay marshes

Contact Us

Rodents Research

Aaron Shiels, Project Leader
Email: aaron.b.shiels@usda.gov

Phone: 970-266-6324

Learn More

Learn More About Dr. Aaron Shiels

National Wildlife Research Center

4101 LaPorte Avenue

Fort Collins, CO 80521

Learn More

Learn More About Dr. Aaron Shiels